West End Wonders

West End 3, St Joseph's 1

THE curtain came down on another successful season for this award-winning West End production.

For the league champions for the past two seasons completed the league and cup double in a real thriller.

But it was more who'd-win-it rather than whodunnit in a match that was not settled right up until the final whistle.

However if they thought 'best newcomers' St Joseph's were going to suffer stage fright then they had another thing coming.

The Saints may be playing their first season at this age level but they more than matched their opponents -- and they were worthy of their fourth place finish in the league.

Their was little to separate either side with West End taking control in the first half and St Joseph's launching a mighty comeback after the break.

In fact both sides had their goalkeepers to thank for different reasons.

For West End keeper Lee Pickup produced a string of saves to protect the champions' two goal cushion while Kieran Smith was in equally as impressive form to make sure the Saints were still in with a shout right up to the end. The match was evenly locked for the first 10 minutes with both sides cancelling each other out.

However West End took the lead on 11 minutes when Gary Fletcher scored from close range after Matthew Bishop's cross deceived Smith in the Saints goal.

And the Saints went further ahead eight minutes later when Paul Marshall went in where it hurts in a 50-50 tackle with Smith. The ball squirmed free as the two players clashed but Marshall was up to his feet the quickest to fire the ball home. But to St Joseph's credit they fought back and only a fine save by Pickup denied Luke Rewaj and later Mick Strahan.

After the break West End were forced to soak up more pressure but their solid defence and outstanding keeper stood firm.

Striker Liam Lacey was denied by another save by Pickup while Carl Holland went close with a free kick.

But West End showed their true champions' quality when they broke away to grab a decisive third goal.

In a swift counter-attack, Fletcher played a lovely one-two with Neil Douglas to race through to score. But Saints made sure the couldn't celebrate too early and immediately grabbed a deserved goal thanks to a wonderful chip by Strahan.

In the end West End deserved the victory but St Joseph's's should feel proud for the part they played.

WEST END: Lee Pickup, Matthew Kay, Paul Heckingbottom, Paul Arthur, Peter Mellor, Neil Douglas, Matthew Bishop, Jordon Danov, Paul Marshall, Gary Fletcher and Matthew Howard. Subs: Ricky Dyer.

ST JOSEPH'S: Kieran Smith, James Sherry, Matthew Wallbank, Tommy Steel, Andrew Metcalfe, Karl Holland, Ben McMillan, Matthew Holland, Luke Rewaj, Liam Lacey and Mick Strahan, Subs: Lee Gradwell.